JP7640509B2 - General Purpose Laryngoscope Blade - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates generally to the field of laryngoscopes, and more particularly to the field of general purpose laryngoscope blades.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/818,484, filed March 14, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Laryngoscopes typically include a lamp that emits light to illuminate the field of view during intubation. The lamp for illuminating the larynx during use is either attached to the laryngoscope blade or provided in the handle, and the blade includes a light guide for directing the light generated to the handle. Known laryngoscope blades that include a lamp are referred to herein as conventional blades. Known laryngoscope blades that include a light guide for directing the light generated from a lamp provided in the handle are referred to herein as fiber-illuminated blades.

1A-1C show diagrams of an exemplary known conventional blade 100. FIG. 1A shows a side view of the conventional blade 100. FIG. 1B shows a rear view of the conventional blade. FIG. 1C shows an enlarged side view of the blade mount 130 of the conventional blade 100. Unless otherwise indicated, directional terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", etc., when used to describe the location of the structures shown in the figures, refer to the respective orientation of the structures as oriented in the figures. For example, the blade mount 130 of the conventional blade 100 (described in more detail below) is provided on the bottom of the conventional blade 100 as oriented in FIGS. 1A-1C. Nevertheless, the directional terms used herein do not necessarily correspond to the orientation of the structures relative to a user or patient during intended use.

Conventional blade 100 includes blade body 110, lamp 120, and blade attachment 130. Blade attachment 130 includes body 132, lock, electrical contacts 137, and hinge slot 134. As shown in FIG. 1B, body 132 has a thickness _T. The lock includes hinge lock 136 disposed within the bottom surface of hinge slot 134. The lock also includes side lock 138 disposed on the side of body 132. The center point of side lock 138 is shown at the intersection of the side lock crosshairs as shown in FIG. 1C. Hinge lock 136 and side lock 138 are detent mechanisms. Electrical contacts 137 are disposed on the bottom of body 132. Electrical contacts 137 are in electrical communication with lamp 120 through one or more wires that provide power to lamp 120. Hinge slot 134 extends into body 132 at an angle from the front of body 132 toward a central region of body 132 and terminates in seating surface 135. Seat 135 has a semicircular shape having a diameter and an imaginary center point, shown at the intersection of the hinge slot crosshairs shown in FIG. 1C, about which seating surface 135 forms this semicircular shape.

1C , the center point of the side lock 138 is spaced a distance having a horizontal distance component D _{CL_h} and a vertical distance component D _{CL_v} from the virtual center point of the semicircular bearing surface 135. The center point of the side lock 138 is spaced aft from the virtual center point of the semicircular bearing surface 135 by the horizontal distance component D _{CL_h} , and spaced below the virtual center point of the bearing surface 135 by the vertical distance component D _{CL_v} .

Figures 2A-2C show views of an exemplary known conventional handle 200. Figure 2A shows a perspective view of the conventional handle 200. Figure 2B shows a top view of the hook fastener 210 of the conventional handle 200. Figure 2C shows a cutaway side view of the hook fastener 210 of the conventional handle 200 taken along section B-B of Figure 2B.

The conventional handle 200 includes a grip 202 and a hook attachment 210 disposed on an upper portion of the grip 202. The grip 202 is configured to be grasped by the hand of a laryngoscope user. The conventional handle 200 also includes one or more batteries disposed within the interior of the grip 202. The one or more batteries function as a power source for the lamp 120 of the conventional blade 100.

The hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200 is specifically designed for attachment to the blade attachment 130 of the conventional blade 100, or vice versa. The hook attachment 210 includes an electrical contact 212, first and second side supports 214a, 214b, and a hinge pin 218. The electrical contact 212 is in electrical communication with a battery through one or more wires that provide power to the electrical contact 212. The electrical contact 212 is configured to provide power to the electrical contact 137 of the blade attachment 130 of the conventional blade 100 when the conventional blade 100 is engaged with the conventional handle 200 in the operating position.

The first and second side supports 214a, 214b extend perpendicularly from the top of the grip 202. The first and second side supports 214a, 214b extend parallel to one another and are spaced apart from one another. A space defined within the top of the grip 202 and the first and second side supports 214a, 214b forms a seat 219. The seat 219 has a width _W between the first and second side supports 214a, 214b. The width _W is greater than a thickness _T of the body 132 of the blade attachment 130 such that the seat 219 is configured to receive the body 132 of the blade attachment 130 therein.

A hinge pin 218 is attached to (i.e., extends through) the front of each of the first and second side supports 214a, 214b and extends across a pedestal 219. The hinge pin 218 is cylindrical with a diameter _dC . The diameter _dC is less than the diameter of the semi-circular seat 135 of the blade attachment 130 such that the hinge pin 218 is configured to be received within and rotatably supported by the hinge slot 134 of the conventional blade 100. The hinge lock 136 is configured to lock the hinge pin 218 within the hinge slot 134.

At least one of the side supports includes a locking slot that projects into the base-facing side of the respective side support. For example, the first side support 214a includes a first locking slot 216a and the second side support 214b includes a second locking slot 216b (shown in FIG. 9C). The locking slots are configured to receive the side locks 138 of the blade attachment 130 to retain the body 132 within the base 219. To ensure that the side locks 138 mate with the locking slots when the conventional blade 100 is engaged with the conventional handle 200, the center of each respective locking slot is spaced a distance having a horizontal distance component D _{CLS_h} and a vertical distance component D _{CLS_v} from the center point of the hinge pin 218, as designated by the intersection of the hinge pin crosshairs shown in FIG. 2C. The center of each respective locking slot is spaced rearward from the center point of the hinge pin 218 by a horizontal distance component D _{CLS — h} and spaced below the center point of the hinge pin 218 by a vertical distance component D _{CLS — v} .

The blade attachment 130 of the conventional blade 100 is configured to engage with the hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200 in the working position when the laryngoscope is in a standby state to lock the conventional blade 100 in the conventional handle 200. To place the conventional blade 100 in the working position, the blade attachment 130 is first attached to the hook attachment 210. The blade attachment 130 is attached to the hook attachment 210 by placing the hinge pin 218 of the hook attachment 210 in the hinge slot 134 of the blade attachment 130 and by providing relative movement between the hinge pin 218 and the hinge slot 134 until the hinge pin 218 abuts against the semicircular seat 135 of the hinge slot 134 and is locked therein by the hinge lock 136. Relative rotational movement is provided between the conventional blade 100 and the conventional handle 200 such that the hinge slot 134 and the hinge pin 218 are rotated relative to each other until the body 132 of the blade attachment 130 slides into the seat 219 of the hook attachment 210. After the body 132 of the blade attachment 130 is fully received in the seat 219 of the hook attachment 210, the side lock 138 of the blade attachment 130 engages the lock slot of the hook attachment 210. The conventional blade 100 is thus locked into the conventional handle 200 in the operating position. In the operating position, the electrical contacts 137 of the blade attachment 130 engage the electrical contacts 212 of the hook attachment 210 and the laryngoscope is ready for use.

Figures 3A-3C show diagrams of an exemplary known fiber-illuminated blade 300. Figure 3A shows a side view of the fiber-illuminated blade 300. Figure 3B shows a rear view of the fiber-illuminated blade 300. Figure 3C shows an enlarged side view of the blade attachment 330 of the fiber-illuminated blade 300.

The fiber-illuminated blade 300 includes a blade body 310, a light guide 320, and a blade attachment 330. The blade attachment 330 includes a body 332, a lock, a light guide interface 339, and a hinge slot 334. As shown in FIG. 3B, the body 332 has a thickness _T. The lock includes a hinge lock 336 disposed within the top surface of the hinge slot 334. The lock also includes first and second side locks 338a, 338b, respectively, on either side of the body 332. The center point of the second side lock 338b is indicated at the intersection of the side lock crosshairs, as shown in FIG. 3C. The hinge lock 336 and the first and second side locks 338a, 338b are detent mechanisms. The light guide interface 339 is the end of the light guide 320 located on the bottom of the body 332. The light guide interface 339 is configured to interface with the light path 412 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 (described below) to receive light transmitted from a lamp disposed within the fiber-illuminated handle 400. The hinge slot 334 extends angularly into the body 332 from the front of the body 332 toward a central region of the body 332 and terminates in a seating surface 335. The seating surface 335 has a semicircular shape with a diameter and an imaginary center point shown at the intersection of the hinge slot crosshairs shown in FIG. 3C about which the seating surface 335 forms a semicircular shape.

3C, a center point of the hinge lock 336 is spaced forward from the imaginary center of the semicircular seating surface 335 by a horizontal distance H _FHL . A center point of the second side lock 338b is spaced from the imaginary center of the semicircular seating surface 335 by a distance having a horizontal distance component D _{FL_h} and a vertical distance component D _{FL_v} . A center point of the second side lock 338b is spaced rearward from the imaginary center of the semicircular seating surface 335 by a horizontal distance component D _{FL_h} and spaced below the imaginary center of the seating surface 335 by a vertical distance component D _{FL_v} . The center point of the first side lock 338a is provided at a corresponding position on the other side of the body 332 relative to the imaginary center point of the semicircular seating surface 335 so that the first side lock 338a and the second side lock 338b are spaced the same distance from the imaginary center point of the semicircular seating surface 335.

Figures 4A-4C show diagrams of an exemplary known fiber-illuminated handle 400. Figure 4A shows a perspective view of the fiber-illuminated handle 400. Figure 4B shows a top view of the hook-fastening attachment 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400. Figure 4C shows a cutaway side view of the hook-fastening attachment 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 taken along section A-A of Figure 4B.

The fiber-illuminated handle 400 includes a grip 402 and a hook attachment 410 disposed on the top of the grip 402. The grip 402 is configured to be grasped by the hand of a laryngoscope user. The fiber-illuminated handle 400 further includes one or more batteries, a lamp, and a light path 412. The one or more batteries act as a power source for the lamp disposed within the fiber-illuminated handle 400. The light path 412 provides light emitted from the lamp to the light guide interface 339 of the fiber-illuminated blade 300 when the fiber-illuminated blade 300 is connected to the fiber-illuminated handle 400 in an operating position described below.

The hook mount 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 is specifically designed to mount the fiber-illuminated blade 300 to the blade mount 330, and vice versa. The hook mount 410 includes an end of the optical path 412, first and second side supports 414a, 414b, and a hinge pin 418. The first and second side supports 414a, 414b extend vertically from the top of the grip 402. The first and second side supports 414a, 414b extend parallel to each other and are spaced apart from each other. The space bounded within the top of the grip 402 and the first and second side supports 414a, 414b forms a pedestal 419. The pedestal 419 has a width _WF between the first and second side supports 414a, 414b. The width W _F is greater than the thickness T _F of the body 332 of the blade mount 330 such that the seat 419 is configured to receive the body 332 of the blade mount 330 therein.

A hinge pin 418 is attached to (i.e., extends through) the front of each of the first and second side supports 414a, 414b and extends across the base 419. The hinge pin 418 is cylindrical with a diameter _dF . The diameter _dF is less than the diameter of the semi-circular seat 335 of the blade mount 330 of the fiber-illuminated blade 300 such that the hinge pin 418 is configured to be received within and rotatably supported by the hinge slot 334. The hinge lock 336 is configured to lock the hinge pin 418 within the hinge slot 334.

The first and second side supports 414a, 414b include first and second locking slots 416a, 416b, respectively, that protrude into the base-facing side of the respective side support (the second locking slot 416b is shown in FIG. 11C and discussed below). The first and second locking slots 416a, 416b are configured to receive first and second side locks 338a, 338b, respectively, of the blade attachment 330 to retain the body 332 within the base 419. Each of the first and second locking slots 416a, 416b is respectively positioned relative to a center point of the hinge pin 418 to ensure that the first and second side locks 338a, 338b mate with their respective ones of the first and second locking slots 416a, 416b when the fiber-illumination blade 300 is engaged with the fiber-illumination handle 400 in the activated position. 4C, the center of the first locking slot 416a is spaced a distance having a horizontal distance component D _{FLS_h} and a vertical distance component D _{FLS_v} from the center point of the hinge pin 418, which is shown at the intersection of the hinge pin crosshairs. The center of the first locking slot 416a is spaced a horizontal distance component D _{FLS_h} rearward from the center point of the hinge pin 418 and a vertical distance component D _{FLS_v} below the center point of the hinge pin 418. The center point of the second locking slot 416b is located at a corresponding position on the base-facing side of the second side support 414b relative to the center point of the hinge pin 418 such that the first locking slot 416a and the second locking slot 416b are spaced the same distance from the center of the hinge pin 418.

The blade attachment 330 of the fiber-illuminated blade 300 is configured to engage the hook attachment 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 in the operative position when the laryngoscope is ready for use to lock the fiber-illuminated blade 300 in the fiber-illuminated handle 400. To place the fiber-illuminated blade 300 in the operative position, the blade attachment 330 is first attached to the hook attachment 410. The blade attachment 330 is attached to the hook attachment 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 by placing the hinge pin 418 of the hook attachment 410 in the hinge slot 334 of the blade attachment 330 and by providing relative movement between the hinge pin 418 and the hinge slot 334 until the hinge pin 418 abuts the semicircular seat 335 of the hinge slot 334 and is locked therein by the hinge lock 336. Relative rotational movement is provided between the fiber-illuminated blade 300 and the fiber-illuminated handle 400 such that the hinge slot 334 and the hinge pin 418 are rotated relative to one another until the body 332 of the blade attachment 330 slides into the seat 419 of the hook attachment 410. When the body 332 of the blade attachment 330 is fully received within the seat 419 of the hook attachment 410, the first and second side locks 338a, 338b of the blade attachment 330 engage with the first and second lock slots 416a, 416b of the hook attachment 410, respectively. The fiber-illuminated blade 300 is thus locked into the fiber-illuminated handle 400 in the actuated position. In the actuated position, the light guide interface 339 of the blade attachment 330 engages the light path 412 of the hook attachment 410 and the laryngoscope is ready for use.

The longest dimensions of the conventional blade, conventional handle, fiber-illuminated blade, and fiber-illuminated handle conform to the International Organization for Standardization (i.e., ISO) International Standard 7376, which specifies general requirements for laryngoscopes used for intubation, i.e., "Anesthetic and respiratory equipment-Laryngoscopes for tracheal intubation." Due to the mounting standards specified by ISO Standard 7375, conventional blades of various types and sizes are interchangeably connectable to conventional handles of various sizes and shapes. Similarly, fiber-illuminated blades of various types and sizes are interchangeably connectable to fiber-illuminated handles of various types and sizes.

With known interchangeable laryngoscope blades and handles, a conventional blade will not function in conjunction with a fiber-illuminated handle because the fiber-illuminated handle does not include electrical contacts that provide power from a battery located within the handle to the lamp of the conventional blade. Similarly, a fiber-illuminated blade will not function in conjunction with a conventional handle because the conventional handle does not include a lamp or a light path to interface with the light guide of the fiber-illuminated blade.

Thus, to prevent a handle/blade engagement that would not function properly (e.g., would not produce light to illuminate the larynx), the dimensions of the blade attachment and hook attachment specified by ISO Standard 7376 intentionally limit the mechanical interchangeability of laryngoscope blades and handles. That is, a blade attachment of a conventional blade sized to ISO Standard 7376 will not engage with a hook attachment of a fiber-illuminated handle sized to ISO Standard 7376 for a fiber-illuminated blade, and a blade attachment of a fiber-illuminated blade sized to ISO Standard 7376 will not engage with a hook attachment of a conventional handle sized to ISO Standard 7376 for a conventional handle. For example, the thickness T _C of body 132 of conventional blade 100 is less than the thickness T _F of body 332 of fiber-illuminated blade 300, and the width W _C of seat 219 of conventional handle 200 is less than the width W _F of seat 419 of fiber-illuminated handle 400. This configuration prevents engagement between the blade attachment 330 of the fiber-illuminated blade 300 and the hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200 because the thickness _T of the body 332 of the fiber-illuminated blade 300 is greater than the width _W of the seat 219 of the conventional handle 200. That is, the body 332 of the fiber-illuminated blade 300 is too thick to fit into the seat 219 of the conventional handle 200.

Additionally, the diameter of the semi-circular seat 135 of the hinge slot 134 of the conventional blade 100 is smaller than the diameter of the semi-circular seat 335 of the hinge slot 334 of the fiber-illuminated blade 300, and the diameter d _C of the hinge pin 218 of the conventional handle 200 is smaller than the diameter d _F of the hinge pin 418 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400. This configuration prevents engagement between the blade attachment 130 of the conventional blade 100 and the hook attachment 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 because the diameter d _F of the hinge pin 418 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 is too large to properly fit into the semi-circular seat 135 of the hinge slot 134 of the conventional blade 100.

Limited interchangeability of laryngoscope blades and handles renders otherwise useful laryngoscope handles that do not interface with non-compatible laryngoscope blades obsolete. This limited interchangeability can limit the options available to users of laryngoscope blades. For example, if an institution (e.g., a hospital) makes a significant investment in fiber-illuminated laryngoscope blades and handles, it would be wasteful to later switch to conventional blades because doing so would render obsolete inventory of otherwise useful fiber-illuminated handles that are not interoperable with conventional blades.

The inventors have recognized that a need exists for a universal laryngoscope blade that addresses the shortcomings of current laryngoscope blades. A need exists for a universal laryngoscope blade that is interchangeably connectable to and functions in conjunction with the hook attachments of both conventional and fiber-illuminated handles sized in accordance with ISO Standard 7376.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a universal laryngoscope blade includes a blade body shaped to provide a direct view of the larynx. The blade body includes a first end and a second end. The second end is configured for insertion into the larynx. The universal laryngoscope blade further includes a viewer connected to the blade body. The viewer is configured to function independently of each of the conventional handle and the fiber-illuminated handle. The universal laryngoscope blade further includes a blade attachment disposed at the first end of the blade body. The blade attachment is removably connectable to each of the hook attachment of the conventional handle and the hook attachment of the fiber-illuminated handle, one at a time. The hook attachment of the conventional handle has at least one physical dimension that is different from at least one physical dimension of the hook attachment of the fiber-illuminated handle.

According to another aspect of the invention, the universal laryngoscope blade may further include a power source configured to be in electrical communication with the viewer to provide power to the viewer when the laryngoscope blade is engaged with one of the conventional handle and the fiber-illuminated handle in the operative position. The blade attachment may include a first electrical contact in electrical communication with the power source and a second electrical contact in electrical communication with the viewer, the first electrical contact configured to be in electrical communication with the second electrical contact through a hinge pin of one of the conventional handle and the fiber-illuminated handle when the laryngoscope blade is in the operative position. The first electrical contact may be in electrical communication with the power source through a first electrical wire, and the second electrical contact may be in electrical communication with the viewer through a second electrical wire.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of engaging a universal laryngoscope blade with a conventional handle and a fiber-illuminated handle includes providing a first universal laryngoscope blade of a plurality of universal laryngoscope blades. The first universal laryngoscope blade includes a blade body having a first end and a second end. The first universal laryngoscope blade further includes a viewer connected to the blade body. The viewer is configured to function independently of each of the conventional handle and the fiber-illuminated handle. The first universal laryngoscope blade further includes a blade attachment disposed at the first end of the blade body. The method further includes providing a second universal laryngoscope blade of the plurality of universal laryngoscope blades. The second universal laryngoscope blade includes a blade body having a first end and a second end. The second universal laryngoscope blade further includes a viewer connected to the blade body. The viewer is configured to function independently of each of the conventional handle and the fiber-illuminated handle. The second universal laryngoscope blade further includes a blade attachment disposed at the first end of the blade body. The blade attachment of the first universal laryngoscope blade and the blade attachment of the second universal laryngoscope blade are identically sized. The method further includes providing a conventional handle. The conventional handle includes a hook attachment including a base having a width and a hinge pin having a diameter. The method further includes providing a fiber-illuminated handle. The fiber-illuminated handle includes a hook attachment including a base having a width and a hinge pin having a diameter. The width of the base of the fiber-illuminated handle is greater than the width of the base of the conventional handle and the diameter of the hinge pin of the fiber-illuminated handle is greater than the diameter of the hinge pin of the conventional handle. The method further includes engaging the blade attachment of the first universal laryngoscope blade with the hook attachment of the conventional handle such that the first universal laryngoscope blade is provided in an operative position and ready for use. The method further includes engaging a blade attachment of a second universal laryngoscope blade with a hook attachment of the fiber optic illuminated handle such that the second universal laryngoscope blade is presented in an operative position and ready for use.

There are, of course, additional aspects of the various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein that will be described below and that will form the subject matter of the claims. In this regard, before describing at least one aspect of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details and arrangements of construction of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is susceptible to aspects other than those described and can be practiced and carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein, as well as in the Abstract, is for the purpose of illustration and should not be regarded as limiting.

Thus, those skilled in the art will recognize that the conception on which the present invention is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be deemed to include such equivalent constructions insofar as such constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

To facilitate understanding of the present invention, embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, but the subject matter of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a known conventional blade. FIG. 2 is a rear view of a known conventional blade. FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of a blade attachment of a known conventional blade. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a known conventional handle. FIG. 1 is a top view of a known prior art handle hook fastener attachment. 2C is a cutaway side view of a known prior art handle hook attachment taken along section BB of FIG. 2B. 1 is a side view of a known fiber illuminated blade. FIG. 1 is a rear view of a known fiber-illuminated blade. 1 is an enlarged side view of a blade attachment of a known fiber-illuminated blade. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a known fiber optic illuminated handle. FIG. 1 is a top view of a hook-and-loop attachment of a known fiber-illuminated handle. FIG. 4C is a cutaway side view of a hook attachment of a known fiber-illuminated handle taken along section AA of FIG. 4B. FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary universal laryngoscope blade having at least one cable for direct connection to an external device in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a viewer and an external device of a general purpose laryngoscope in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a side view of another exemplary universal laryngoscope blade embodiment having a viewer without any direct connection to an external device in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a viewer and external device of a general purpose laryngoscope in accordance with aspects of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged rear view of a blade attachment according to an aspect of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of a blade attachment according to an aspect of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a side view of a generic laryngoscope blade hooked to a hinge pin of a conventional handle in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a side view of a generic laryngoscope blade engaged with a conventional handle in an operative position in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a rear view of a generic laryngoscope blade engaged with a conventional handle in an operative position in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. FIG. 9B is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along section FF of the engagement between the blade attachment of the universal laryngoscope blade of FIG. 9A and the hook-fastening attachment of a conventional handle. FIG. 9B is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along section HH of the engagement between the blade attachment of the universal laryngoscope blade of FIG. 9A and the hook-and-loop attachment of a conventional handle. FIG. 13 is a side view of a generic laryngoscope blade hooked to a hinge pin of a fiber illuminated handle in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a side view of a universal laryngoscope blade engaged with a fiber-illuminated handle in an operative position in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a rear view of a universal laryngoscope blade engaged with a fiber-illuminated handle in an operative position in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. FIG. 11B is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along section CC of the engagement between the blade attachment of the universal laryngoscope blade of FIG. 11A and the hook-and-loop attachment of the fiber illuminating handle. FIG. 11B is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along section JJ of the engagement between the blade attachment of the universal laryngoscope blade of FIG. 11A and the hook attachment of the fiber illuminating handle. 1A shows another implementation of a universal laryngoscope blade engaged with a conventional handle in an operative position. FIG. 12B is a close-up view of FIG. 12A depicting the blade attachment of a universal laryngoscope blade engaged with the hook attachment of a conventional handle in an operative position. 1A-1C illustrate a method of using a universal laryngoscope blade according to an aspect of the present invention.

Features of a universal laryngoscope blade and related methods according to aspects of the present invention are described with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.

5A-7B show exemplary views of a universal laryngoscope blade according to aspects of the present invention. FIG. 5A shows a side view of an exemplary universal laryngoscope blade 500 having at least one cable 523 for direct connection to an external device 600. FIG. 5B shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a viewer 520 and an external device 600. FIG. 6A shows a side view of another exemplary universal laryngoscope blade 500' having a viewer 520' without any direct connection to an external device 600'. FIG. 6B shows a schematic diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a viewer 520' and an external device 600'. FIG. 7A shows an enlarged rear view of a blade attachment 530 according to aspects of the present invention. FIG. 7B shows an enlarged side view of a blade attachment 530 according to aspects of the present invention.

The universal laryngoscope blade 500 includes a blade body 510, a viewer 520, and a blade attachment 530. The universal laryngoscope blade 500 may be reusable or disposable in whole or in part. The blade body 510 may be shaped to provide a direct view of the larynx. As will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the blade body 510 may be provided in any number of shapes and sizes depending, for example, on the size of the patient. The blade body 510 may include a first end and a second end. The second end may be inserted into the patient's larynx.

The observer 520 is connected to the blade body 510 and can illuminate the larynx when the second end of the blade body 510 is inserted into the larynx. The observer 520 can function (e.g., emit light, capture at least one image, etc.) independently of each of the conventional handle 200 and the fiber-illuminated handle 400. That is, the observer 520 does not depend on the laryngoscope handle for power, signal transmission, light emission, etc. The observer 520 can include a housing 521. The housing 521 can be provided in a chamber of the blade body 510. Additionally or alternatively, the housing 521 can be attached to the outside of the blade body 510. The housing 521 can include an opening 522 disposed between the second end of the blade body 510 and a central portion of the blade body 510. The opening 522 can be open toward the second end of the blade body 510. The opening 522 can be covered with a transparent window to seal the inside of the housing 521. The transparent window may include a lens. The observation device 520 may include one or more cables 523. The one or more cables 523 may define a housing 521. The one or more cables 523 may extend from the rear of the blade body 510 for connection to an external device 600. The external device 600 may be a device other than a laryngoscope handle. The external device 600 may include, for example, one or more of a processor 602, a display 604, a power source 606, a lamp, a transceiver 608 (the term "transceiver" as used herein includes one or more of a transmitter and a receiver, each of which is combined into a single circuit or provided separately, and has the function of transmitting and receiving electronic signals). The one or more cables 523 may have the function of transmitting light, electricity, data, etc. between the observation device 520 and the external device 600.

The observer 520 may include a lamp 524 that emits light from an opening 522 in the housing 521 in a direction toward the second end of the blade body 510 to illuminate the second end of the blade body 510 and/or the larynx. The lamp 524 may be disposed within the housing 521. The lamp 524 may be sealed within the housing 521. Alternatively, the external device 600 may include the lamp 524 and may direct light to the opening 522 through one or more cables 523 to illuminate the second end of the blade body 510 and/or the larynx.

The observer 520 may include a camera 525 capable of capturing one or more images of the second end of the blade body 510 and/or the larynx from the viewpoint of the opening 522 of the housing 521. At least a portion of the camera 525, and in embodiments the entire camera 525, may be disposed within the housing 521. The camera 525 may be sealed within the housing 521. Images retrieved from the camera 525 may be electronically transmitted to the external device 600. For example, the images may be electronically transmitted through one or more cables 523. Additionally or alternatively, the observer 520 may include a transceiver 526 capable of wirelessly transmitting images to the external device 600. The transceiver 526 may receive control commands from the processor 602. The observer 520 may further include a processor 527 capable of controlling any of the lamps 524, the camera 525, the transceiver 526, and the like. The processor 527 can independently control the lamps 524, the camera 525, and/or the transceiver 526, or can be used to implement control commands transmitted by the external device 600 and received by the transceiver 526.

The observer 520 may include a power source 528 (e.g., a battery) that provides power to the lamps 524, the camera 525, the transceiver 526, the processor 527, and the like. The power source 528 may be provided on the blade body 510. The power source 528 may be disposed within or connected to the housing 521. Additionally or alternatively, power may be provided to the lamps 524 and/or the camera 525 from an external device 600 through one or more cables 523.

5A and 5B, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the observer 520 may include one or more cables 523 that may provide light, electricity, and/or data. Further, the observer 520 may include a lamp 524 and may optionally include a camera 525. The external device 600 may include a processor 602, a display 604, and a power source 606. The one or more cables 523 may provide, for example, electronic communication between the external device 600 and the lamp 524 and the camera 525. For example, the one or more cables 523 may transmit power to the lamp 524 and the camera 525. Images captured by the camera 525 are transmitted to the external device 600 through the one or more cables 523. The processor 602 may control the lamp 524 and the camera 525 by signals sent through the one or more cables 523.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, another embodiment of the present invention can provide an observer 520' without any direct connection (i.e., cable link) to an external device 600'. For example, the observer 520' can include a lamp 524 and optionally a camera 525. In addition, the observer 520' can include a power source 528 (e.g., a battery), a transceiver 526, and a processor 527. The external device 600' can include a processor 602, a display 604, and a transceiver 608. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the observer 520' is fully functional (i.e., capable of generating/transmitting light/data and capturing one or more images) without the need for the blade attachment 530 to interface with functional elements on the conventional handle 200 or the fiber-illuminated handle 400 (e.g., the electrical contacts 212 of the conventional handle 200 or the optical path 412 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400). In other words, the observer 520' is self-contained in that it can draw power from a source other than the handle (e.g., the internal power source 528).

The blade attachment 530 is disposed at a first end of the blade body 510. As discussed above, the hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200 has at least one physical dimension (e.g., diameter d _C of the hinge pin 218, width W _C of the seat 219, etc.) that differs from at least one physical dimension (e.g., diameter d _F of the hinge pin 418, width W _F of the seat 419) of the hook attachment of the fiber-illuminated blade 300. Additionally, the hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200 is sized to comply with ISO standard 7376 for conventional handles, and the hook attachment 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 is sized to comply with ISO standard 7376 for fiber-illuminated handles. Nonetheless, the blade attachment 530 of the present invention is removably connectable to and functions in conjunction with each of the hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200 and the hook attachment 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400. Additionally, the blade attachment 530 of the present invention can be adapted for removably connecting to and functioning in conjunction with the hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200 and the hook attachment 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 described herein.

The blade attachment 530 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 includes a body 532, a lock, and a hinge slot 534. As shown in FIGURE 7A, the body 532 has a thickness _TU . The thickness _TU of the body 532 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 can be greater than the thickness _TC of the body of the conventional blade 100, but less than the thickness _TF of the body 332 of the fiber-illuminated blade 300. For example, the thickness _TU can be between 12.74 mm and 12.84 mm, and more specifically, 12.80 mm. According to an aspect of the present invention, the thickness T _U of the body 532 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 can be larger than the thickness T _C of the body 132 of the conventional blade 100, but smaller than the thickness T _F of the body 332 of the fiber-illuminated blade 300, so that the body 532 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 can be small enough to be received within the seat 219 of the conventional handle 200, while being large enough to limit excessive play (rocking) when received within the seat 419 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400. That is, the body 532 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 can be received within the seat 219 of the conventional handle 200 and the fiber-illuminated handle 400, one at a time, improving the versatility of the blade attachment 530 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500. The bottom of the body 532 may not include (and may be absent from) functional elements (e.g., electrical contacts, light guides, etc.) that would otherwise protrude from the body 532. By not including any functional elements on the body 532 of the blade attachment 530, it is believed that the bottom of the body 532 of the blade attachment 530 will not interfere with the functional elements (e.g., electrical contacts, optical paths, etc.) provided on the hook attachments of the conventional handle and/or fiber illumination handle when these attachments are connected thereto. Alternatively, the bottom of the body 532 may be equipped with a switch that activates the viewer 520 when the universal laryngoscope blade 500 is engaged with the conventional handle 200/fiber illumination handle 400 in the activated position.

The lock can include a hinge lock 536 disposed within a top surface of the hinge slot 534. In an embodiment, the hinge lock 536 can be disposed within a bottom surface of the hinge slot 534. The lock can include at least one side lock disposed on at least one side of the body 532. As shown in FIG. 7, the at least one side lock can include first and second side locks 538a, 538b disposed on either side of the body 532, respectively. As shown in FIG. 7B, the center point of the second side lock 538b is shown at the intersection of the side lock crosshairs. The hinge lock 536, the first side lock 538a, and/or the second side lock 538b can be a detent mechanism. The hinge slot 534 can extend into the body 532 at an angle from the front of the body 532 toward a central region of the body 532 and can terminate at the seat 535. The seating surface 535 has a semicircular shape having a diameter and an imaginary center point shown at the intersection of the crosshairs of the hinge slot 534 shown in FIG. 7B around which the seating surface 535 forms this semicircular shape. The diameter of the semicircular seating surface 535 of the hinge slot 534 and the width of the hinge slot 534 are generally sized to receive the hinge pins 218 of the conventional handle 200 and the hinge pins 418 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 one at a time such that each hinge pin is received within and abuts the semicircular seating surface 535. That is, the hinge slot 534 is sized to receive the hinge pins 218 of the hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200 and the hinge pins 418 of the hook attachment 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 one at a time in abutment with the semicircular seating surface 535. For example, the diameter of the semicircular seat 535 of the hinge slot 534 and the narrowest width of the hinge slot 534 are each typically at least greater than 4.58 mm.

7B, the center of the hinge lock 536 is spaced forward from the imaginary center of the semicircular bearing surface 535 by a horizontal distance H _UHL . The horizontal distance H UHL that the hinge lock 536 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 is spaced forward from the imaginary center of the semicircular bearing surface 535 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 is smaller than the horizontal distance H _FHL that the hinge lock 336 of the fiber-illuminated blade 300 is spaced forward from the imaginary center of the semicircular bearing surface 335 of the fiber-illuminated blade 300. For example, the horizontal distance H _UHL that the hinge lock 536 of the universal laryngoscope blade ₅₀₀ is spaced forward from the imaginary center of the semicircular bearing surface 535 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 can be between 0.86 mm and 0.90 mm, and more specifically can be 0.88 mm. By positioning the hinge lock 536 at a horizontal distance H _UHL forward from the imaginary center of the semicircular bearing surface 535, the hinge lock 536 can rigidly hold the hinge pins 218 of the conventional handle 200 and the hinge pins 418 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 one at a time within the hinge slot 534 of the blade attachment 530. That is, the hinge slots 534 and hinge locks 536 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 can accept the hinge pins 218 of the conventional handle 200 and the larger hinge pins 418 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 one at a time, improving the versatility of the blade attachment 530 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500.

The center point of the second side lock 538b can be spaced a distance having a horizontal distance component D _{UL_h} and a vertical distance component D _{UL_v} from the virtual center point of the semicircular seating surface 535. The center point of the second side lock 538b can be spaced rearward from the virtual center point of the semicircular seating surface 535 by the horizontal distance component D _{UL_h} and can be spaced below the virtual center point of the seating surface 535 by the vertical distance component D _{UL_v} . The center point of the first side lock 538a can be provided at a corresponding position with respect to the virtual center point of the semicircular seating surface 535 on the other side of the body 532 such that the first side lock 538a and the second side lock 538b are spaced the same distance from the virtual center point of the semicircular seating surface 535.

The horizontal distance component D _{UL_h} and the vertical distance component D _{UL_v} can be set such that when the universal laryngoscope blade 500 engages with the hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200 in the actuated position where the laryngoscope is ready for use, the side lock (i.e., the first side lock 538a or the second side lock 538b) can be received in the respective lock slot of the conventional handle 200. The horizontal distance component D _{UL_h} and the vertical distance component D _{UL_v} can be set such that when the universal laryngoscope blade 500 engages with the hook attachment 410 of the fiber illumination handle 400 in the actuated position, the side lock (i.e., the first side lock 538a or the second side lock 538b) can be received in the respective lock slot of the fiber illumination handle 400. For example, the horizontal distance component D _{UL_h} may be greater than the horizontal distance component D _{CL_h} of the blade fixture 130 of the conventional blade 100 and less than the horizontal distance component D _FLh of the blade fixture 330 of the fiber-illuminated blade 300. The horizontal distance component D _{UL_h} may be 13.0 mm. The vertical distance component D _{UL_v} may be 0.8 mm.

As a result of the above-mentioned features and dimensions (e.g., thickness T _U of body 532, width of hinge slot 534, diameter of semicircular seating surface 535 of hinge slot 534, horizontal distance H _UHL , horizontal distance component D _UL — h , vertical distance component D _{UL — v} , etc.), the blade attachment 530 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 can engage with both the hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200 and the hook attachment 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400, one at a time. Furthermore, as discussed above, the observer 520 (or observer 520′) is fully functional (i.e., capable of generating/transmitting light/data and capturing one or more images) without the need for the blade attachment 530 to interface with functional elements on the conventional handle 200 or fiber-illuminated handle 400 (e.g., electrical contacts 212 of conventional handle 200 or optical path 412 of fiber-illuminated handle 400). Thus, the universal laryngoscope blade 500 can be attached to and fully functional with both conventional handles 200 and fiber-illuminated handles 400 that are sized to comply with the requirements of ISO standard 7376. This allows the user to eliminate handle compatibility from the laryngoscope blade purchasing decision and leverage their initial investment in conventional and/or fiber-illuminated handles that are otherwise useful. The universal laryngoscope blade can benefit from economies of scale since it can be produced in higher volumes due to its compatibility with both existing conventional and fiber-illuminated handles.

Figures 8A-9C depict the engagement of a universal laryngoscope blade 500 with a conventional handle 200. Figure 8A shows a side view of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 hooked to the hinge pin 218 of the conventional handle 200. Figure 8B shows a side view of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 engaged with the conventional handle 200 in the operative position. Figure 9A shows a rear view of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 engaged with the conventional handle 200 in the operative position. Figure 9B shows an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along section FF of the engagement between the blade attachment 530 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 of Figure 9A and the hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200. Figure 9C shows an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along section HH of the engagement between the blade attachment 530 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 of Figure 9A and the hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200.

The blade attachment 530 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 is configured to engage with the hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200 in the operative position when the laryngoscope is in a standby state to lock the universal laryngoscope blade 500 in the seat 219 of the conventional handle 200. As shown in FIG. 8A, to place the universal laryngoscope blade 500 in the operative position, the blade attachment 530 is first attached to the hook attachment 210. The blade attachment 530 is attached to the hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200 by placing the hinge pin 218 of the hook attachment 210 in the hinge slot 534 of the blade attachment 530 and causing relative movement between the hinge pin 218 and the hinge slot 534 until the hinge pin 218 abuts against the semicircular seat 535 of the hinge slot 534 and is locked by the hinge lock 536 in the slot. 9B shows the hinge lock 536 locking the hinge pin 218 of the conventional handle 200 into the hinge slot 534 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 in the actuated position. As shown in FIGS. 8B-9C, relative rotational movement is provided between the universal laryngoscope blade 500 and the conventional handle 200 such that the hinge slot 534 and hinge pin 218 are rotated relative to one another until the body 532 of the blade attachment 530 slides into the seat 219 of the hook attachment 210. After the body 532 of the blade attachment 530 is fully received within the seat 219 of the hook attachment 210, the first and second side locks 538a, 538b of the blade attachment 530 engage the first and second locking slots 216a, 216b of the hook attachment 210, respectively, as shown in FIG. When the side locks engage their respective locking slots and the hinge lock 536 engages the hinge pin 218, the body 532 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 is locked into the base 219 of the conventional handle 200 in the operative position and the laryngoscope is ready for use. At any time prior to use, one or more cables 523 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 can be connected to an external device 600.

8A-9C show engagement between a universal laryngoscope blade 500 and a conventional handle 200 with one or more cables 523, the present invention also includes engagement between a universal laryngoscope blade 500 and a conventional handle 200 with a viewer 520' without any direct connection (i.e., cable link) to an external device 600. That is, the mechanical engagement between the blade attachment 530 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 and the hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200 is the same regardless of the type of viewer employed by the universal laryngoscope blade 500. Each universal laryngoscope blade 500 is self-contained in that it does not require power or light from the conventional handle 200 (although in some embodiments, the external device 600 can provide power or light other than to the conventional handle 200).

10A-11C depict the engagement of a universal laryngoscope blade 500 with a fiber-illuminated handle 400. FIG. 10A shows a side view of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 hooked to the hinge pin 418 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400. FIG. 10B shows a side view of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 engaged with the fiber-illuminated handle 400 in the operative position. FIG. 11A shows a rear view of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 engaged with the fiber-illuminated handle 400 in the operative position. FIG. 11B shows an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along section CC of the engagement between the blade attachment 530 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 of FIG. 11A and the hook attachment 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400. FIG. 11C shows an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along section JJ of the engagement between the blade attachment 530 of the generic laryngoscope blade 500 of FIG. 11A and the hook attachment 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400.

The blade attachment 530 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 is also configured to engage the hook attachment 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 in the operative position when the laryngoscope is ready for use, to lock the universal laryngoscope blade 500 in the seat 419 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400. As shown in FIG. 10A, to place the universal laryngoscope blade 500 in the operative position, the blade attachment 530 is first attached to the hook attachment 410. The blade attachment 530 is attached to the hook attachment 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 by placing the hinge pin 418 of the hook attachment 410 in the hinge slot 534 of the blade attachment 530 and effecting relative movement between the hinge pin 418 and the hinge slot 534 until the hinge pin 418 abuts the semicircular seat 535 of the hinge slot 534 and is locked within the slot by the hinge lock 536. 11B shows the hinge lock 536 locking the hinge pin 418 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 into the hinge slot 534 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 in the actuated position. As shown in FIGS. 10B-11C, relative rotational movement is provided between the universal laryngoscope blade 500 and the fiber-illuminated handle 400 such that the hinge slot 534 and hinge pin 418 are rotated relative to one another until the body 532 of the blade attachment 530 slides into the seat 419 of the hook attachment 410. After the body 532 of the blade attachment 530 is fully received within the seat 419 of the hook attachment 410, the first and second side locks 538a, 538b of the blade attachment 530 engage the first and second locking slots 416a, 416b of the hook attachment 410, respectively, as shown in FIG. 11C. When the side locks engage their respective locking slots and the hinge lock 536 engages the hinge pin 418, the body 532 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 is locked into the base 419 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 in the operative position and the laryngoscope is ready for use. At any time prior to use, one or more cables 523 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 can be connected to an external device 600.

10A-11C show engagement between a universal laryngoscope blade 500 and a fiber-illuminated handle 400 with one or more cables 523, the present invention also includes engagement between a universal laryngoscope blade 500 and a fiber-illuminated handle 400 with a viewer 520' without any direct connection (i.e., cable link) to an external device 600. That is, the mechanical engagement between the blade attachment 530 of the universal laryngoscope blade 500 and the hook attachment 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 is the same regardless of the type of viewer employed by the universal laryngoscope blade 500. Each universal laryngoscope blade 500 is self-contained in that it does not require power or light from the fiber-illuminated handle 400 (although in some embodiments, the external device 600 can provide power or light other than to the fiber-illuminated handle 400).

12A-12B show an exemplary diagram of another implementation of a universal laryngoscope blade 500'' according to aspects of the present invention. The universal laryngoscope blade 500'' includes a blade body 510'', a viewer 520'', a power source 528'', and a blade attachment 530''. The universal laryngoscope blade 500'' can be fully or partially reusable or disposable. The blade body 510'' can be the same as the blade body 510 previously discussed in detail above with respect to other universal laryngoscope blade implementations. For example, the blade body 510'' can be shaped to provide a direct view of the larynx. The blade body 510'' can be provided in any number of shapes and sizes depending, for example, on the size of the patient. The blade body 510'' can include a first end and a second end, with the power source 528'' disposed at the first end and the second end operable for insertion into the patient's larynx.

For illustrative purposes, FIG. 12A depicts the engagement of a universal laryngoscope blade 500'' with a conventional handle 200. In particular, a side view of the universal laryngoscope blade 500'' hooked to the hinge pin 218 of the conventional handle 200 such that in the operative position, the universal laryngoscope blade 500'' engages the conventional handle 200. FIG. 12B shows a close-up view of the engagement between the blade attachment 530'' of the universal laryngoscope blade 500'' and the hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200.

The observer 520'' is operable to be connected to the blade body 510'' to illuminate the larynx when the second end of the blade body 510'' is inserted into the larynx. The observer 520'' is operable to function (e.g., emit light, capture at least one image, etc.) independently of each of the conventional handle 200 and the fiber-illuminated handle 400. The observer 520'' can include a lamp 524'', such as an LED, that emits light in a direction toward the second end of the blade body 510'' to illuminate the second end of the blade body 510'' and/or the larynx. As with the other implementations discussed above, the lamp 524'' can be provided in the housing. The observer 520'' can include a camera that can capture one or more images of the second end of the blade body 510'' and/or the larynx from a vantage point of the opening in the housing. The observer 520'' may include a power source 528'' (e.g., one or more batteries) that provides power to the lamp 524'', the camera, etc. The power source 528'' may be provided on the blade body 510'', such as at the first end of the blade body.

The universal laryngoscope blade 500'' is configured to be removably connectable to each of the conventional handle 200 and the fiber-illuminated handle 400, one at a time. The blade attachment 530'' of the laryngoscope blade 500'' is disposed at a first end of the blade body 510''. The blade attachment 530'' is configured to be removably connectable to each of the hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200 and the hook attachment 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400, one at a time. Furthermore, the blade attachment 530'' is removably connectable to and functions in conjunction with each of the hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200 and the hook attachment 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400, one at a time. In other implementations, the blade attachment 530'' may be adapted for removable connection to and functionality with hook attachments of other handles other than the hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200 and the hook attachment 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 described herein.

The blade attachment 530'' of the universal laryngoscope blade 500'' includes a body 532'', a lock, and a hinge slot 534''. The body 532'' is similar to the body 532 shown in FIG. 7A and has a thickness _TU . The thickness _TU of the body 532'' of the universal laryngoscope blade 500'' can be greater than the body thickness _TC of the conventional blade 100, but less than the thickness TF of the body 332 of the _fiber -illuminated blade 300. For example, the thickness _TU can be between 12.74 mm and 12.84 mm, and more specifically, 12.80 mm. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the thickness T _U of the body 532'' of the universal laryngoscope blade 500'' can be greater than the thickness T _C of the body 132 of the conventional blade 100, but less than the thickness T _F of the body 332 of the fiber-illuminated blade 300, such that the body 532'' of the universal laryngoscope blade 500'' can be small enough to be received within the seat 219 of the conventional handle 200, yet large enough to limit excessive play (rocking) when received within the seat 419 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400. That is, the body 532'' of the universal laryngoscope blade 500'' can be received within the seat 219 of the conventional handle 200 and the fiber-illuminated handle 400, one at a time, improving the versatility of the blade attachment 530'' of the universal laryngoscope blade 500''.

The lock can include a hinge lock 536'' disposed within a top surface of the hinge slot 534''. In some implementations, the hinge lock 536'' can be disposed within a bottom surface of the hinge slot 534''. The lock can include at least one side lock disposed on at least one side of the body 532''. The at least one side lock can include first and second side locks similar to the previously described side locks 538a, 538b disposed on each side of the body 532''. The hinge lock 536'' and the at least one side lock can be a detent mechanism. The hinge slot 534'' can extend into the body 532'' at an angle from the front of the body 532'' toward a central region of the body 532'' and can terminate at a seat 535''. The seating surface 535" can have a semicircular shape with a diameter and an imaginary center point around which the seating surface 535" forms this semicircular shape. The diameter of the semicircular seating surface 535" of the hinge slot 534" and the width of the hinge slot 534" are generally sized to receive the hinge pins 218 of the conventional handle 200 and the hinge pins 418 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 one at a time such that each hinge pin is received within and abuts the semicircular seating surface 535". That is, the hinge slot 534" is sized to receive the hinge pins 218 of the hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200 and the hinge pins 418 of the hook attachment 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 one at a time in abutment with the semicircular seating surface 535". For example, the diameter of the semicircular seat 535'' of the hinge slot 534'' and the narrowest width of the hinge slot 534'' are each typically at least greater than 4.58 mm.

The center of the hinge lock 536'' is spaced forward from the imaginary center of the semicircular bearing surface 535'' by a horizontal distance H _UHL . The horizontal distance H _{UHL that the hinge lock 536'' of the universal laryngoscope blade 500'' is spaced forward from the imaginary center of the semicircular bearing surface 535'' of the universal laryngoscope blade 500'' is less than the horizontal distance H FHL that} the hinge lock 336 of the fiber-illuminated blade 300 is spaced forward from the imaginary center of the semicircular bearing surface 335 of the fiber-illuminated blade 300. For example, the horizontal distance H _UHL that the hinge lock 536'' of the universal laryngoscope blade 500'' is spaced forward from the imaginary center of the semicircular bearing surface 535'' of the universal laryngoscope blade 500'' can be between 0.86 mm and 0.90 mm, and more specifically can be 0.88 mm. By positioning the hinge lock 536'' at a horizontal distance H _UHL forward from the imaginary center of the semicircular bearing surface 535'', the hinge lock 536'' can rigidly hold the hinge pins 218 of the conventional handle 200 and the hinge pins 418 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 one at a time in the hinge slots 534'' of the blade attachment 530''. That is, the hinge slots 534'' and hinge locks 536'' of the universal laryngoscope blade 500'' can accept the hinge pins 218 of the conventional handle 200 and the larger hinge pins 418 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400 one at a time, improving the versatility of the blade attachment 530'' of the universal laryngoscope blade 500''.

As a result of the above-mentioned features and dimensions (e.g., thickness T _U of body 532'', width of hinge slot 534'', diameter of semi-circular seating surface 535'' of hinge slot 534'', horizontal distance H _UHL , etc.), the blade attachment 530'' of the universal laryngoscope blade 500'' can engage both the hook attachment 210 of the conventional handle 200 and the hook attachment 410 of the fiber-illuminated handle 400, one at a time. Thus, the universal laryngoscope blade 500'' can be attached to and function in conjunction with each of the conventional handle 200 and the fiber-illuminated handle 400, each of which are sized to comply with the requirements of ISO standard 7376.

An electrical contact may be provided on the seating surface 535'' of the blade attachment 530''. The electrical contact may be in electrical communication with a power source 528'' (i.e., a battery) through one or more wires 512'' to provide power thereto. The electrical contact may be further configured to be in electrical communication with the hinge pin 218 of the hook attachment 210 when the laryngoscope blade 500'' is in the operative position. The hinge pin 218 may be metal or another conductive material. An electrical hinge contact 537'' may be disposed on the face of the hinge slot 534'' and may be adjacent to the hinge lock 536''. The electrical hinge contact 537'' may also be configured to be in electrical communication with the hinge pin 218 when the laryngoscope blade 500'' is in the operative position. Additionally, the electrical hinge contact 537'' can be in electrical communication with the viewer 520'' through one or more wires 514'' to provide power to the viewer, such as a lamp 524'', when the laryngoscope blade 500'' is engaged with the conventional handle 200 in the actuated position.

Although the universal laryngoscope blade 500'' is shown attached to and fully functional with the conventional handle 200 for illumination purposes, as previously discussed above, the universal laryngoscope blade 500'' can also be attached to and fully functional with the fiber-illuminated handle 400. Thus, the metal hinge pin 218 of the existing conventional handle 200 or the metal hinge pin 418 of the fiber-illuminated handle can be used to provide power from the power source 528'' to the lamp 524'' to complete the electrical circuit between the power source and the lamp, thereby reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to include additional components such as microswitches in the blade.

In some implementations, the hinge lock 536'' can be metal or another conductive material and can be configured to be in electrical communication with both the hinge pin 218 and the electrical hinge contact 537'' when the laryngoscope blade 500'' is in the activated position. Thus, the bottom of the body 532'' can be free of (e.g., absent of) functional elements (e.g., electrical contacts, light guides, etc.) that would otherwise protrude from the body 532''. By not including functional elements on the body 532'' of the blade attachment 530'', the bottom of the body 532'' of the blade attachment 530'' is not expected to interfere with functional elements (e.g., electrical contacts, light paths, etc.) provided on the hook attachment of a conventional handle and/or a fiber-illuminated handle when such attachment is connected thereto.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method 1200 of using a universal laryngoscope blade according to an aspect of the present invention, including engaging the universal laryngoscope blade with a conventional handle and a fiber-illuminated handle (e.g., conventional handle 200 and fiber-illuminated handle 400). The method 1200 may include providing a first universal laryngoscope blade in a first step 1201. The first universal laryngoscope blade may be any of the universal laryngoscope blades according to the aspects of the present invention discussed above. For example, the first universal laryngoscope blade may include a blade body shaped to provide a direct view of the larynx. The blade body may include a first end and a second end. The second end may be inserted into the larynx of the patient. The first universal laryngoscope blade may further include an observer connected to the blade body. The observer may function independently of each of the conventional handle and the fiber-illuminated handle. That is, the observer is fully functional (i.e., may emit light or capture images) without requiring power or light from the conventional handle or the fiber-illuminated handle. The first general-purpose laryngoscope blade may further include a blade attachment disposed at the first end of the blade body.

The method 1200 may include, in a second step 1202, providing a second universal laryngoscope blade. The second universal laryngoscope blade may be any of the universal laryngoscope blades according to the aspects of the invention discussed above. For example, the second universal laryngoscope blade may include a blade body shaped to provide a direct view of the larynx. The blade body may include a first end and a second end. The second end may be inserted into the patient's larynx. The second universal laryngoscope blade may further include an observer connected to the blade body. The observer may function independently of each of the conventional handle and the fiber-illuminated handle. That is, the observer is fully functional (i.e., capable of emitting light or capturing images) without requiring power or light from the conventional handle or the fiber-illuminated handle. The second universal laryngoscope blade may further include a blade attachment disposed at a first end of the blade body. The blade attachment of the second universal laryngoscope blade is dimensioned identically to the blade attachment of the first universal laryngoscope blade. That is, the physical dimensions of each of the above-mentioned components (e.g., body, lock, hinge slot, etc.) of the blade attachment of the universal laryngoscope blade can be identical, such that the blade attachment of each of the first and second universal laryngoscope blades is the same. As used herein, "identically dimensioned" means machined to the same size, but including normal variations resulting from manufacturing tolerances that would be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The method 1200 may include, in a third step 1203, providing a conventional handle as discussed above, i.e., providing a conventional handle including a hook attachment having a base having a width and a hinge pin having a diameter. The diameter of the hook attachment of the conventional handle may conform to the dimensions specified in ISO standard 7376 for conventional handles.

The method 1200 may include, in a fourth step 1204, providing a fiber-illuminated handle as discussed above, i.e., providing a fiber-illuminated handle including a hook attachment including a base having a width and a hinge pin having a diameter. The diameter of the hook attachment of the fiber-illuminated handle may conform to the dimensions specified for fiber-illuminated handles in ISO standard 7376. As evident from ISO standard 7376, the width of the base of the fiber-illuminated handle is greater than the width of the base of the conventional handle, and the diameter of the hinge pin of the fiber-illuminated handle is greater than the diameter of the hinge pin of the conventional handle.

The method 1200 may include, in a fifth step 1205, engaging a blade attachment of a first universal laryngoscope blade with a hook attachment of a conventional handle such that the first universal laryngoscope blade is provided in an operative position and ready for use. Examples of engaging a blade attachment of a first universal laryngoscope blade with a hook attachment of a conventional handle are shown, for example, in Figures 8A-9C and discussed in more detail above.

The method 1200 may include, in a sixth step 1206, engaging a blade attachment of a second universal laryngoscope blade with a hook attachment of the fiber-illuminated handle such that the second universal laryngoscope blade is provided in an operative position and ready for use. Examples of engaging a blade attachment of a second universal laryngoscope blade with a hook attachment of the fiber-illuminated handle are shown, for example, in Figures 10A-10C and discussed in more detail above.

Because the blade attachment of the first universal laryngoscope blade and the blade attachment of the second universal laryngoscope blade are identically dimensioned (including, e.g., body thickness T _U , width of hinge slot, diameter of semicircular seat of hinge slot, horizontal distance H _UHL , horizontal distance component D _{UL_h} , vertical distance component D _{UL_v} , etc.), each of these universal laryngoscope blade blades can engage with both the hook attachment of the conventional handle and the hook attachment of the fiber-illuminated handle, one at a time. Furthermore, as discussed above, the viewer of each of the universal laryngoscope blades is fully functional (i.e., capable of generating/transmitting light/data or capturing one or more images) without the blade attachment having to interface with functional elements on the conventional or fiber-illuminated handle (e.g., electrical contacts of the conventional handle or optical path of the fiber-illuminated handle). Thus, the universal laryngoscope blade can be attached to and fully functional with both conventional and fiber-illuminated handles that conform to the requirements of ISO standard 7376. This allows users to eliminate handle compatibility from their laryngoscope blade purchasing decision and leverage their initial investment in conventional and/or fiber-illuminated handles that may be otherwise useful. The universal laryngoscope blade can benefit from economies of scale because it can be produced in higher volumes due to its compatibility with both existing conventional and fiber-illuminated handles.

The numerous features and advantages of the universal laryngoscope blade described herein are apparent from the detailed specification, and the appended claims therefore encompass all such features and advantages that are within the scope of the present application. For example, many modifications and variations are possible. Thus, it is not desired to limit the universal laryngoscope blade of the present invention to the exact construction and operation as described and illustrated, and all suitable modifications and equivalents may be included within the scope of the appended claims.

100 Conventional blade 110 Blade body 130 Blade attachment 134 Hinge slot 137 Electrical contact

Claims (9)

A general purpose laryngoscope blade, comprising:
a blade body shaped to provide a direct view of the larynx and including a first end and a second end configured for insertion into the larynx;
an observer connected to the blade body, the observer being configured to function independently of each of a conventional handle and a fiber illumination handle;
a blade attachment disposed at the first end of the blade body, the blade attachment being removably connectable to each of a hook attachment of the conventional handle and a hook attachment of the fiber-illuminated handle, one at a time, the hook attachment of the conventional handle having at least one physical dimension that is different from at least one physical dimension of the hook attachment of the fiber-illuminated handle;
Including,
the hook attachment of the conventional handle is sized to comply with ISO standard 7376 for conventional handles, and the hook attachment of the fiber illuminating handle is sized to comply with ISO standard 7376 for fiber illuminating handles;
the blade attachment includes a body and a hinge slot extending into the body at an angle from a front portion of the body toward a central region of the body and terminating in a semicircular seat;
a hinge slot sized to receive a hinge pin of the hook fastening attachment of the conventional handle and a hinge pin of the hook fastening attachment of the fiber optic illuminated handle one at a time in abutting engagement with the semi-circular seat, the hinge pin of the hook fastening attachment of the conventional handle having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the hinge pin of the hook fastening attachment of the fiber optic illuminated handle. The universal laryngoscope blade of claim 1, characterized in that the blade attachment further includes a hinge lock that is configured to be positioned within the plane of the hinge slot to lock the hinge pins of the hook attachment of the conventional handle and the hinge pins of the hook attachment of the fiber-illuminated handle into the hinge slot, one at a time. The universal laryngoscope blade of claim 1 or 2, wherein the blade attachment further includes at least one side lock on a side of the body configured to lock the body of the blade attachment into the hook attachment seat of the conventional handle and the hook attachment seat of the fiber-illuminated handle, one at a time. 4. A universal laryngoscope blade as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bottom of the body of the blade attachment does not interfere with functional elements provided on the hook attachment . The general-purpose laryngoscope blade of claim 1, wherein the observer is configured to emit light independently of each of the conventional handle and the fiber optic illumination handle. The observation device is
a lamp configured to emit light into the larynx;
a camera configured to capture at least one image of the larynx;
6. A general purpose laryngoscope blade as claimed in claim 1 or 5, comprising: The general-purpose laryngoscope blade of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a power source configured to be in electrical communication with the observer to provide power to the observer when the laryngoscope blade is engaged with one of the conventional handle and the fiber-illuminated handle in an operative position. The general-purpose laryngoscope blade of any one of claims 1 to 7 further includes at least one cable providing electronic communication between an external device and the observation instrument. further comprising a transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit at least one image to an external device;
a processor configured to control the lamps, the camera, and the transceiver;
a power source configured to provide power to the lamp, the camera, the transceiver, and the processor;
7. A general purpose laryngoscope blade as claimed in claim 6, comprising:

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